Floor located vehicle container holder

ABSTRACT

A vehicle container holder includes a bottomless container retention section and a mounting section. The container retention section defines a container axis along which a container is received and rested upon the vehicle interior component. The mounting portion of the container holder slips behind a vehicle component adjacent a vehicle floor or includes a multiple of pins to penetrate into a carpeted panel along the vehicle transmission tunnel. The container holder utilizes the vehicle floor as the bottom support for the retained container. Such a bottomless design provides greater ability to handle a range of container sizes and provides a greater range of adjustment/variance with respect to vehicle designs while simplifying manufacturing.

The present application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/427,775, filed May 1, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle container holder and, more particularly, to a vehicle container holder which utilizes the vehicle floor as a container support surface.

Beverage holders are common within current foreign and domestic vehicles. Many differing types of such beverage holders commonly referred to as cup holders exist and are located at various positions within the vehicle. Oftentimes, the cup holders are movable between a stowed and an extended position to minimize obstructing driver or passenger movement within the vehicle when in use.

Conventional cup holders often may leave much to be desired. The cup holders may often be located in an inconvenient position that is not readily accessible or which interferes with vehicle controls or instruments. Other cup holder locations may share space with other vehicle storage thereby limiting access to that storage. Still other cup holders are often positioned relatively high within the vehicle in a manner in which a quick stop or rapid maneuver may result in spilled liquid. Moreover, spillage or condensation from center console mounted cup holders may fall upon vehicle electronic system, switches, gear shifters, or other difficult to clean areas and components.

Numerous after-market cup holders have been developed with varying degrees of effectiveness but often suffer from the previously mentioned deficiencies. Such deficiencies may be further magnified due to an aftermarket cup holder's lack of a readily adaptable and secure mounting structure. The potential deficiencies of effective aftermarket cup holders are particularly appreciated when expenses must be maintained within a reasonable expenditure commensurate with the expected market.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a vehicle container holder which is readily and securely mounted within a multiple of different vehicles, minimizes spillage, avoids interfering with vehicle controls, does not utilize existing storage space, is convenient yet out of the way, improves safety by minimizing dangers from spills on occupants and the potential for launching of contents, and is relatively inexpensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The vehicle container holder according to the present invention generally includes a bottomless container retention section and a mounting section.

The container retention section defines a container axis along which a container is received and rested upon the vehicle floor. The container retention section includes arms that at least partially surround a container axis and do not meet such that a cup handle may be received therebetween. The arms define a perimeter to receive a wide range of containers.

The container holder is manufactured from a single planar sheet of material, which is formed to the desired shape. The container holder is preferably manufactured from a metallic material such as stainless steel, however, other materials such as plastics and composites will also benefit from the present invention. A liner is located within the interior or around the edge of the container holder to minimize rattle. The shape, strength, location and adaptability of the container holder according to the present invention provides advantages heretofore unavailable.

The mounting portion of the container holder slips behind a vehicle component adjacent a vehicle floor. The container holder need not be permanently affixed to any interior surface of the vehicle. The container holder rests on or just above the vehicle floor, such that the contents rest on the floor of the vehicle. Notably, the container holder does not include a bottom and utilizes the vehicle floor or other vehicle component as the bottom rest for the retained container. Such a bottomless design provides greater ability to handle a range of container sizes and provides a greater range of adjustment/variance with respect to differing vehicles, lowers the container center of gravity within the vehicle, and reduces manufacturing expense.

Another container holder embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting section with a multiple of mounting pins which extend from a pin plate mounted to a rear container portion of the container holder generally opposite the arm ends. The mounting pins maintain the container holder in place, but are light enough to flex and release in the event some unusual force is applied (e.g., a seat is moved forward quickly, someone pulls hard, etc.) The container holder requires only a carpeted panel to receive the pins. Benefits include a somewhat easier installation, a more finished and interior-neutral appearance, more flexibility as far as placement, and better adaptability across cars (including greater potential for transferring it to other/future cars.)

If, by chance, a spill does happen (most likely due to the container itself and not the holder), the spill will be upon the vehicle floor and mats which are relatively easily cleaned. Moreover, the spill will not affect the vehicle electronic system, switches, gear shifters, or other difficult to clean areas and components and there is less potential for launching the container within the vehicle in the event of rapid maneuvers due to the low mounting location within the vehicle.

The present invention therefore provides a vehicle container holder which is readily adapted and securely mounted within a multiple of different vehicles, minimizes spillage, is more safe, avoids interfering with vehicle controls yet is presented in a convenient location, does not utilize existing storage space, and is relatively inexpensive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1A is a general perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a general top perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a general side perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 1D is a general front perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 1E is a general back perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 1F is a general back perspective view of a container holder in an installed position;

FIG. 1G is an exploded side view of a container holder in an installed position between vehicle components;

FIG. 2 is a general plan view of a container holder prior to forming;

FIG. 3 is a general perspective view of a container holder in an installed position retaining an exemplary container;.

FIG. 4 is a general perspective view of a container holder in an installed position retaining another exemplary container;

FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of a container holder in an installed position retaining another exemplary container.

FIG. 6A is an expanded view of the container holder at an initial position during installation;

FIG. 6B is an expanded view of the container holder being installed past the FIG. 6A position;

FIG. 6C is an expanded view of the container holder in a final installed position;

FIG. 7A is a general perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a general top perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 7C is a general side perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 7D is a general front perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 7E is a general back perspective view of a container holder designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 7F is a general back perspective view of a container holder in an installed position;

FIG. 7G is an exploded side view of a container holder in an installed position upon a carpeted vehicle panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a general perspective view of a vehicle container holder 10 designed according to the present invention. The container holder 10 generally includes a bottomless container retention section 12 and a mounting section 14.

The container retention section 12 defines a container axis C along which a container is received (FIG. 3). The container retention section 12 includes arms 16 which at least partially surround the container axis C. Two arms 16 having arm ends 18, which do not meet, are preferred such that a cup handle H (FIG. 4) may be received therebetween; however, a single continuous arm is contemplated by the present invention.

The arms 16 are generally arcuate. The arms 16 are preferably of a frustro conical geometry (FIG. 1B) in which a lower portion 20 of the arms 16 defines a smaller perimeter than the upper portion 22 of arms 16. It should be understood that relative positional terms such as “forward,” “aft,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” and the like are with reference to the normal operational attitude of the vehicle and should not be considered otherwise limiting.

The upper portion 22 slopes toward the lower portion 20 from the mounting section 14 to the arm ends 18 (FIG. 1C). The lower area of the slope permits a shorter container such as a mug (FIG. 4) to be accessible while the higher area of the slope provides greater height to secure taller items such as a water bottle (FIG. 3). Also, the frustro conical geometry tends to naturally center container placed within the arm along axis C.

The arms 16 define a perimeter to receive a wide range of containers. Preferably, containers from short cans to tall bottles and from large diameter mugs with handles to thin bottles will be received within the container retention section 12. Furthermore, as the container holder 10 is preferably manufactured of a flexible material, the arms 16 may flex to receive and retain a large container (FIG. 5), however, such contact need not occur to securely retain the container. In addition the two arms 16 may be plastically flexed to increase or decrease the distance between the arm ends 18 and receive still more varied sized containers. The general dimensions are optimized such that little or no adjustments are required for standard-sized containers. The overall shape is such that it causes containers placed within the container holder 10 to naturally center and be retained by the arms 16.

The arm ends 1B are non-parallel (FIG. 1D). The distance between the arm ends 18 becomes more narrow from the upper portion 22 to the lower portion 20. A cup handle h (FIG. 4) may be received therebetween and grip the handle.

The mounting section 14 includes a mounting arm portion 26 which extends from the container retention section 12 generally parallel to the container axis C. The mounting arm portion 26 includes an intermediate arm portion 28 which extends from the container retention section 12 and a mounting arm end portion 30 which are generally parallel but offset relative axis C (FIGS. 1C and 1E). An arcuate mounting arm portion 32 interconnects the intermediate mounting arm portion 26. The mounting arm portion 28 defines a radiused end to arcuate mounting arm portion 32.

A liner 34 is located within the interior of the container holder 10. The liner 34 is preferably a relatively soft material such as felt, rubber, suede, leather or the like. The liner 34 contacts the container and minimizes rattles and provides a smooth surface to ease entry and exit of containers. The liner alternately may be implemented in a way that forms to the rim and/or other interior edges of the container holder 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the container holder 10 is manufactured from a single planar sheet S (FIG. 2) which is formed to the desired shape. The container holder 10 is preferably manufactured from a metallic material such as stainless steel, however, other materials such as plastics and composites will also benefit from the present invention. The shape and strength of the container holder 10 according to the present invention provides advantages heretofore unavailable. Moreover, as the container holder 10 utilizes a relatively inexpensive single sheet of material which may be laser cut or stamped to shape. Final forming includes bending the single sheet to shape which is likewise relatively inexpensive in manufacture.

The container retention section 12 is generally delta shaped with the mounting section 14 extending as a cantilever section from the apex thereof. Relatively large radiuses 36 are provided at each intersection for both an aesthetic pleasing appearance and avoidance of snags. Apertures 38 are provided to further provide an aesthetic pleasing appearance and weight reduction. It should be understood that other aperture shapes or none at all will also benefit from the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1F, the container holder 10 is illustrated in an installed position. The container holder 10 is shown mounted to a vertical surface such as the side of a center transmission tunnel adjacent the vehicle front seats, however, it will be appreciated that the container holder 10 may be fastened to other areas of the interior of vehicle. Preferably, the container holder 10 is positioning at a location under the bend in the driver's leg which places it in a location that is out of the way and in an area generally not used. That is, the container holder 10 is located in an area of the vehicle that typically is not used and at a point relative to the driver's seating position such that it does not interfere with comfort or operation of the vehicle yet is still convenient and readily accessible.

The mounting section 14 of the container holder 10 slips behind a generally vertical vehicle component P such as a panel adjacent a vehicle floor F. It should be understood that the term “floor” should be broadly construed to include floor mats, carpeted sections of the transmission tunnel and other vehicle components. The container holder 10 therefore is not permanently affixed to any interior component of the vehicle. The container holder 10 rests on or just above the vehicle floor F. Notably, the container holder 10 does not include a bottom and utilizes the vehicle floor F as the bottom rest for the retained container. Such a bottomless design provides greater ability to handle a range of sizes and provides a greater range of adjustment/variance with respect to container height and adaptability across different vehicles while simplifying manufacturing.

The arcuate mounting arm portion 32 formed in a generally arcuate manner and is preferably an obtuse angle relative to a rear container portion 12 r as defined by arc (FIG. 1C). When inserted between two surfaces P and P′ (FIG. 1G) within a vehicle, the curvature of the arcuate mounting arm portion 32 causes it to first be somewhat flattened during insertion toward be in a flexed state and to be pressed against the opposing faces of the vehicle surfaces in a spring-like fashion. In this state, the force exerted by the mounting section 12 is sufficient to secure the container holder 10 in a desired location and to maintain its contents in the desired manner and position. The spring-like action of the mounting section 14 in this manner further provides for easy installation and removal by the user, does not require modification to or cause damage within the vehicle, and benefits manufacture and related cost by reducing complexity and parts count. The shape and dimensions of the mounting section are highly adaptable and may be altered as necessary to achieve a best fit within specific vehicles and at various locations within vehicles. The spring-like action of the mounting section 14 in the above manner need not preclude the use of additional means of attachment where desired to supplement retention and/or for a more permanent mounting, and provisions for such additional mounting points may be incorporated into the design.

If, by chance, a spill does happen (most likely due to the container and not the holder), the spill will be upon the vehicle floor and mats which are relatively easily cleaned. Moreover, the spill will not affect the vehicle electronic system, switches, gear shifters, or other difficult to clean areas and components. Furthermore, any spills are less likely to occur on occupants and contents are less likely to be launched in a hazardous way in the event of a rapid motion and/or accident, thereby improving occupant safety.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the container holder 10 is readily installed by slipping the mounting arm end portion 30 of the mounting arm 26 under and behind an edge E of the vehicle component P approximately ¼″ to ½.″ The mounting arm 26 needs to slip under and past the edge, and then immediately up. Although the container holder 10 may be positioned more to the front or rear if desired.

Referring to FIG. 6B, the container holder 10 is pressed in and upward until the arcuate mounting arm portion 32 are pushed under the edge E vehicle component P and the container holder 10 is in a near-vertical position against the carpet over the transmission tunnel (FIG. 6C).

Referring to FIG. 6C, the arcuate mounting arm portion 32 operates in a spring-like fashion against the edge of the vehicle component P to hold it in place. The edge E of the vehicle component P may deflect slightly from the pressure. This is by design and is intended to secure the holder as tightly as possible. The edge E of the vehicle component P will return to its original position when the holder is removed. When in place, the container holder 10 will fit generally flush against the vehicle floor F at the rear edge, with the front of the arms 16 slightly off of the vehicle floor F. The container holder 10 preferably sits at a slight angle toward the console to provide additional depth and better hold containers. That is, axis C is casted toward the vehicle center console. It should not move easily in a forward or rearward direction, and it should spring back slightly toward the console if the arms are pulled out gently toward the door.

FIGS. 7A-7G illustrate a general perspective view of another vehicle container holder 40 designed according to the present invention. The container holder 40 generally includes a bottomless container retention section 42 and a mounting section 44.

The container retention section 42 defines a container axis C along which a container is received as described above. The container retention section 42 includes arms 46 which at least partially surround the container axis C. The two arms 46 have arm ends 48, which do not meet and are separated such that a cup handle may be received therebetween as described above

A liner 50 is located about an edge of the container holder 40. The liner 50 is preferably a relatively soft material such as felt, rubber, suede, leather or the like. The liner 44 contacts the container and minimizes rattles and provides a smooth surface to ease entry and exit of containers. The liner alternately may be implemented in a way that forms to the rim and/or other interior edges.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the mounting section 44 includes an upper set of mounting pins 52U which extends from an upper pin plate 54U and a lower set of mounting pins 52L mounted to a rear container portion 55 of the container holder 40 generally opposite the arm ends 48. The upper pin plate 54U serves as a support for the pins and, when installed, minimizes the twist of the holder side-to-side. The lower set of mounting pins 52L are preferably mounted through interaction with the liner 50 (FIG. 7C)

The mounting pins 52U, 52L are preferably stainless steel and include textile-quality points 56 which separate versus tear threads as they penetrate. The upper set of mounting pins 52U preferably provide four pins and the lower set of mounting pins 52L preferably provide two pins. The mounting pins 52U, 52L are generally non parallel to the container axis C. The lower set of mounting pins 52L hold the bottom portion of the holder in place. The lower set of mounting pins 52L face in an upward direction opposite the upper set of mounting pins 52U to resist the holder from pulling up vertically.

The mounting pins 52U, 52L maintain the container holder 40 in place, but are light enough to flex and release in the event some unusual force is applied (e.g., a seat is moved forward quickly, etc.)

Referring to FIG. 7D, the container holder 40 is illustrated in an installed position. As described above, the container holder 40 is mounted in the generally same location as the container holder 10, however, container holder 40 does not require a generally vertical vehicle component P (FIG. 6F) such as a panel adjacent a vehicle floor F. The container holder 40 requires only a carpeted panel Pc to receive the pins 52U, 52L. Benefits include a more finished and interior-neutral appearance, more flexibility as far as placement, and better adaptability across cars.

Referring to FIG. 7E, to install the container holder 40, a bottom rear edge 58 is located adjacent the vehicle floor F and the lower set of mounting pins 52L are first inserted up and fully into and behind the carpeted panel Pc. The bottom edge 58 of the container holder 40 should initially be as flush to the vehicle floor F as possible. The lower set of mounting pins 52L are adjustable to obtain a desired angle to best accommodate an angle between the carpeted panel Pc and the vehicle floor F. The lower set of mounting pins 52L are preferably located to penetrate the carpeted panel Pc in as vertical of a direction as possible.

Holding the lower part of the container holder 40 in place an upper liner portion 50 u is lifted to slightly flex the upper pin plate 54U and the upper set of mounting pins 52U so that all are straight and inserted slightly and then the tension is released such that that the upper set of mounting pins 52U are also pressed down and into the carpeted panel Pc as the container holder 40 is moved in a reverse direction toward the vehicle floor F until the bottom rear edge 58 of the bottomless container retention section 42 rests upon the vehicle floor F (FIG. 7D).

The upper set of mounting pins 52U are inserted through the carpet so that they slip behind and pull/hold the upper pin plate 54U against the carpeted pane Pc. In this way, the upper set of mounting pins 52U maintain the upper portion of the container holder 40 from moving away from the carpeted panel Pc and from moving forward and aft. Again, since the floor F bears the weight of the container, the mounting section 44 need only locate the container holder 40 in an upright position. Locating the bottom rear edge 58 against the floor F further braces the container holder 40 from moving off of the axis C.

When inserted, the upper and lower set of mounting pins 52U, 52L face in an opposing direction and act in a “bite-like” manner to keep the container holder 40 in place. The upper set of mounting pins 52U hold the upper area back toward the carpeted panel Pc and limit motion side-to-side. The upper pin plate 54U limits rotation off axis. The lower set of mounting pins 52L serve an auxiliary purpose to hold the bottom in place and further limit movement side-to-side (i.e., the bottom can't “swing”) and facing in an opposing direction to those above, serve to limit movement in an upward direction to maintain the upper set of mounting pins 52U pulled down and tighter into the carpet.

The exact configuration may vary by version/car. The lower pins can be omitted using longer/stronger upper pins. As noted above, the lower mounting may also employ a plate similar to that used for the upper.

Alternatively, separate mounts for the pins may attach to the holder using various fastening such as Velcro, mated attachment, etc to simplify mounting/removal.

The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. 

1. A vehicle container holder comprising: a bottomless container retention section which defines an axis, said bottomless container retention section including a pair of arms which are adjacent and separated to partially surround said axis for a height to maintain a container in a generally vertical position therein; and a mounting section extending from said container retention section, said mounting section operable to engage a generally vertical surface adjacent a vehicle floor such that a container is supported upon the vehicle floor and the bottomless container retention section maintains the container in the generally vertical position.
 2. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said mounting section comprises an intermediate arm portion, and a mounting arm end portion interconnected by an arcuate spring mounting arm portion, said intermediate arm portion and said mounting arm end portion generally parallel but laterally offset relative the axis, said arcuate spring mounting arm portion formed as an arc defining an obtuse angle relative a rear container portion.
 3. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said arc of said arcuate mounting arm portion is greater than 120 degrees.
 4. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said arcuate spring mounting arm portion is resilient.
 5. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said mounting end portion defines a radiused end segment to said spring mounting arm portion
 6. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said mounting section comprises a multiple of pins which extend from a rear portion of said container section generally opposite said arm ends.
 7. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 6, wherein said multiple of pins include an upper set of pins and a lower set of pins.
 8. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 7, wherein said upper set of pins are mounted to a pin plate, said pin plate mounted to said rear portion of said container section generally opposite said arm ends.
 9. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 7, wherein said upper set of pins and said lower set of pins are angled relative said axis.
 10. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said bottomless container retention section comprises a frustro conical geometry.
 11. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said bottomless container retention section and said mounting section are formed from a single planar sheet of material.
 12. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 11, wherein said material comprises a stainless steel.
 13. The vehicle container holder as recited in claim 12, further comprising a liner attached to said bottomless container retention section.
 14. A method of retaining a container within a vehicle comprising the steps of: (1) locating a bottomless container retention section adjacent a vehicle floor, said bottomless container retention section including a pair of arms which are adjacent and separated to partially surround an axis for a height to maintain a container in a generally vertical position therein; (2) locating a mounting section extending from the container retention section along a side of a vehicle center transmission tunnel such that the container is supported upon the vehicle floor and the bottomless container retention section maintains the container in a generally vertical position.
 15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said step (1) further comprises locating the container retention section upon the vehicle floor and forward of a vehicle front seat.
 16. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein said step (2) further comprises locating the mounting section extending from the container retention section behind a vehicle interior component extending along a side of the center transmission tunnel.
 17. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further comprises resiliently maintaining the mounting section in a flexed condition behind the vehicle interior component.
 18. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further comprises locating the mounting section behind the vehicle interior component and in front of a vehicle carpeted panel.
 19. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further comprises inserting a multiple of mounting pins extending from the mounting section at least partially through a carpeted panel mounted upon the side of the vehicle center transmission tunnel.
 20. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said step (2) further comprises inserting an upper set of mounting pins in a first direction and a lower set of mounting pins in a second direction through a carpeted panel mounted upon the side of the vehicle center transmission tunnel. 